What's next? Centers

​You will learn that every class and teacher are different.
I have changed my classroom set up within the 4 years I have been working every time! 

I will be posting pictures of each year for you to see how the class was set up. Later on, I will get into details on how each center works. I will have to update with more pics later on since I only have pictures I took but never with the purpose of creating a blog.

Centers are important to ensure you meet the students needs/goals.
Once you got to know your students, think about what you wish to have in your class.
The center's purpose may vary each year depending on the students you get.

I will go into details on each center in later posts.  

Here is a list of centers I have or have had:

• Teacher Time
• Books/Listening
• Fine Motor
• Computer
• Independent Work
• Break Area
• Calm Down Area
• Snack Area
• Math Center
• Writing Center
• Morning Work
• Science/Social Studies Center
• Circle Time
• Speech/OT

I know this seems overwhelming... but like I mention things have changed within the years.

Here are my constant year to year centers...

• Teacher Time
• Computer
• Independent work
• Books/Listening
• Fine Motor/Writing Center (This started as one, become both and then moved to the other due to student's needs).
• Break Area
• Calm Down/Chill out Area 

Once you have figure it out... you must start thinking of classroom set up with furniture. Ensure you provide boundaries for each center. Create one way exit/entrance. This concept is based on TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped Children). This will foster independence for students.

Read a little blurb from the TEACCH Website:

 PRINCIPLES OF STRUCTURED TEACCHING:   
 •  Understanding the culture of autism
•  Developing an individualized person- and family-centered plan for each client or student, rather than using a standard curriculum
•  Structuring the physical environment
•  Using visual supports to make the sequence of daily activities predictable and understandable
•  Using visual supports to make individual tasks understandable

I also use color fabric to provide visuals of each center. Therefore each center is one color. This can be costly and may get damaged with students, meaning you need to replace it. If you are like me, I change if it gets a little messy. I like it to look nice and neat! :). Fabric is also great to cover shelves...for those who are nosy!! LOL. This always helps minimize distractions for students. I meant to say that first. :). 

Next, make sure you create the expectations for each center. Use visuals, task strips, checklist. Make sure you label each center. Use both visuals and words. The size of the visual will vary depending on kids needs. Younger/Complex students benefit from larger and PECS. I will describe visuals from my perspective on later post.

Stay tune... following will be my year to year class set up. :)

Hope this is all helping! Feel free to contact me or comment.